NORML National Marijuana Conference in Denver April 21-23, 2011

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) will be holding its 40th annual national conference in Denver, Colorado. The conference is titled “Conference 2011: Coming of Age“.Â Featured speakers include Dr. Lester Grinspoon (emeritus) of Harvard University and talk show host/medical marijuana advocate Montel Williams. The conference will also showcase an acoustic music performance by reggae superstar Ziggy Marley. Second District Congressman Jared Polis is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. Polis has been an outspoken critic of federal interference in state marijuana laws stating, “Just as the policy of prohibition failed nationally with alcohol – it’s now up to states and counties – I think we should do the same with marijuana.”

Politics Is the Main Focus

More politically oriented than KushCon (a “marijuana-lifestyle” oriented event), the NORML conference is a three-day event focused on changing marijuana laws in the United States. The socio-political nature of the event is underscored by a Day 1 debate between Denver mayoral candidates to be moderated by Montel Williams. Educational topics to be discussed: Pot-n-Politics: 2011-2012 Marijuana Initiatives; Cannabis Commerce: Coming of Age; NORML Women’s Alliance: Closing The Cannabis Gender Gap; Medical Marijuana: More Than Just THC; Medibles: Cannabis & Cooking; NORML at 40-Years-Old; The Feds, Marijuana, and You; Marijuana Nation: The Statistics of Cannabis and its Consumers.

Entertainment

Greta Gaines

There is also a social side to the NORML convention. In addition to the aforementioned Mr. Marley, the Supervillains will perform at the BlueBird Theatre for a special $4.20 price. Nashville singer/songwriter Greta Gaines will headline the Mile High NORML annual fundraiser event.Â According to the website, activities include: “Music, food, kegs of hemp ale, video games, pinball machines, fire twirlers, glass blowers and other ‘fun’.”

Tickets to the conference vary in price. You can attend one day or all three. The published agenda can help you decide if you are looking to attend a specific event or speech.